Deccan Herald: The History and Evolution of a Bangalore News Icon
The landscape of English-language journalism in Karnataka was fundamentally changed on June 17, 1948, with the launch of the Deccan Herald. Established at a time when Bangalore lacked a dedicated English daily, the newspaper emerged from an unlikely beginning—the purchase of a bar and restaurant called Funnel's by an aspiring entrepreneur.
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The Vision of K. N. Guruswamy
The founder, K. N. Guruswamy (1901–1990), was the eldest son of a prominent businessman from Ballari. Coming from the Ediga community, which traditionally practiced toddy tapping, Guruswamy's family had expanded their wealth through excise contracts across the region then known as Mysore. Despite having no prior experience in the newspaper industry, Guruswamy saw a void in the local media market.
The establishment of the paper was encouraged by Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar, the Diwan (prime minister) of Mysore, who convinced Guruswamy to start an English-language daily. To facilitate this, Guruswamy launched the firm The Printers (Mysore) Pvt Ltd. The name "Deccan Herald" was suggested by Justice P P Medappa, who later served as the state's chief justice.
Founding and Early Financial Struggles
Launching a publication required significant capital and expertise. The initial capital was ₹ 5,00,000, with Guruswamy contributing 75 percent. Other shareholders included K. Venkataswamy, Moola Rangappa, M. K. Swamy, and Dondusa. To ensure journalistic quality, veteran journalist Pothan Joseph was appointed as the founding editor, providing the paper with a strong professional foundation.
The Deccan Herald began as an eight-page tabloid (a smaller, compact newspaper format), priced at one anna, before eventually transitioning into a broadsheet format. However, the early years were financially grueling. The company did not break even until 1956, eight years after its inception. During this period, Guruswamy relied on bank loans and was forced to sell 32 of his 35 buildings to keep the business afloat.
Expansion into Kannada Media and Magazines
The group quickly expanded its reach to cater to the local population. In October 1948, they launched a sister daily in Kannada called Prajavani, with T. S. Ramachandra Rao as its first editor. Prajavani went on to become a cornerstone of Kannada journalism and popular culture.
The publishing house further diversified its portfolio with the introduction of magazines:
- Sudha: A lifestyle magazine launched in 1965, edited by E.R. Sethuram.
- Mayura: A literary magazine launched in 1968.
Key Figures and Legacy
The growth of the business during the 1950s and 1960s was heavily supported by K. A. Nettakallappa, Guruswamy's adopted son and a respected journalist. Though he passed away at the age of 47, Nettakallappa and Prajavavani editor Ramachandra Rao are remembered for their pioneering roles in founding the Press Club of Bangalore.
Guruswamy eventually transitioned away from his original business roots, moving out of the liquor industry entirely by 1986.
Key Facts
- Founded: June 17, 1948.
- Founder: K. N. Guruswamy.
- Founding Editor: Pothan Joseph.
- Initial Format: Eight-page tabloid priced at one anna.
- Sister Publication: Prajavani (launched October 1948).
- Break-even Point: 1956.
- Company Name: The Printers (Mysore) Pvt Ltd.
| Year | Publication | Language/Type | Key Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 (June) | Deccan Herald | English Daily | Pothan Joseph |
| 1948 (Oct) | Prajavani | Kannada Daily | T. S. Ramachandra Rao |
| 1965 | Sudha | Lifestyle Magazine | E.R. Sethuram |
| 1968 | Mayura | Literary Magazine | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Deccan Herald?
The Deccan Herald was founded by K. N. Guruswamy, a businessman from the Ediga community who previously operated in the excise business.
What was the original format and price of the newspaper?
It was initially launched as an eight-page tabloid newspaper and was sold for the price of one anna.
When did the company become profitable?
The company was able to break even in 1956, eight years after its initial launch in 1948.
What other publications are part of the group?
The group launched the Kannada daily Prajavani in 1948, the lifestyle magazine Sudha in 1965, and the literary magazine Mayura in 1968.
Who suggested the name "Deccan Herald"?
The name was suggested by Justice P P Medappa, who later became the chief justice of the state.